My CPU is getting too hot, do I need a new cooler for it?

[QuietBob]

This is because the side panel of our computer cases ensure, or more accurately "facilitate" the "flow" of cool air through the case. When you remove the side panel, any air "pressure" or "flow" produced by the fans just dissipates or escapes out the side. With the side panel in place, you create a channel, conduit or the "ductwork" needed to direct the cool air towards the heat sensitive devices inside the case.

I agree on that point, but the OP's case is an old model and has practically no airflow to speak of. The tiny inlets are obstructed by a metal panel and the exhaust vents are simply perforated steel. And indeed in stock configuration it doesn't even come with a single fan:

 

[64K]

I think the OP is going to take the PC down to the repair shop tomorrow to get the dust out. Just getting the dust out will probably be a big part of fixing the heat issue.

 

[lexluthermiester]

I have the CPU he is referencing. It absolutely applies. The range is fine even on new chips.

I guess he could follow your reference points…

You: Buy a new motherboard, change his case, buy new case fans ( I recommended this).

Seems logical.

I would NOT. The OP only needs a new heatsink.

I think the OP is going to take the PC down to the repair shop tomorrow to get the dust out. Just getting the dust out will probably be a big part of fixing the heat issue.

This would also help.

 

[Ravenas]

I would NOT. The OP only needs a new heatsink.


This would also help.

Possibly. I would reapply thermal compound prior to that.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Possibly. I would reapply thermal compound prior to that.

The Hyper 212 comes with a tube of TIM. CoolerMaster's TIM is actually very good.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I would NOT. The OP only needs a new heatsink.

Not true. You said yourself, you joined this thread late. If you go back and learn the facts of this specific thread, you will see the computer (and current cooler) has been working for years. You will also see his case only came with 1 small 80mm case fan and provides little to no air flow (though I note the OP believes it has NO case fans!) - apparently only relying on the PSU fan for air flow. Plus - and perhaps most importantly - the interior has not been cleaned of heat-trapping dust in years!

If the case does not produce enough air flow now to exhaust the heat, a new CPU cooler will be of little, if any help.

So the order of events must be:

It first must be cleaned of heat trapping dust.​

If still over heating (assuming the CPU fan is spinning), then add a case fan (or two).​

If still over heating, then, maybe, a new CPU cooler.​

However, my recommendation if still over heating after a good cleaning would be a new case - one that supports at least 2 x 120mm, preferably 140mm or larger case fans.

 

[64K]

I guess getting the dust blown out of his PC solved the heat problem for the OP since he's not back today saying he still has heat issues. Dust is the enemy of electronics.

 

[Nash]

I guess getting the dust blown out of his PC solved the heat problem for the OP since he's not back today saying he still has heat issues. Dust is the enemy of electronics.

2weeeeee3t
That looks like tweet. I didn't type that. A wireless keyboard fell over.

I just used a flashlight to look in the pc case, everything inside is painted with dust. After I clean it and polish things up the side cover is going on. I don't like side covers much, dust even less.

 

[eidairaman1]

I bet it has some dust and that the dust is also an issue, but since I'm not good at hardware, I wouldn't do it myself.

I surely won't do any repasting on my own, that is way beyond me.

I'm thinking about going to the hardware store, buy a new cooler, and then ask the seller to come to me and he will change the cooler, and when he will do that, he will also clean the dust and he will also teach me how to do it properly. I think that's the best thing to do - let an expert deal with my problem while I watch and learn.

That's exactly what I did when I bought my HDD - I asked the seller to come with me and install it properly, and he did that, not for free, of course

I don't wanna do anything on my own since, like I said, I'm not good at hardware.

Go to a shop and have them clean it for you.